David Evans Strickler 23 year old apprentice pharmacist at Tassel Pharmacy in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, invented the banana based triple ice cream sundae in 1904.
Strickler enjoyed experimenting with different concoctions, particularly the exotic banana, which was still fairly new to US audiences at the turn of the century.
The banana split sundae, costing twice as much as other iced desserts at 10 cents pop, appealed to the youthful student clientele of nearby St, Vincent’s College.
The drugstore chain Walgreen’s is often credited worth promoting the early banana splits on its soda fountain. It was opened by Charles Walgreen by borrowing $2000 from his father for a down payment of his first drugstore in 1901.
By the end of 1929, there were more 397 Walgreens in 87 cities, and the banana split had become practically synonymous with the drugstore chain.
In 1907, restaurateur Ernest Hazard in Clinton county town of southwest of Columbus, Ohio devised a large lavish three-scoop sundae with chocolate, strawberry and pineapple toppings, all tucked between a banana cut lengthwise.
His idea was to attract more business from the students at nearby Wilmington College. Today, Wilmington even have a Banana Split Festival each year to celebrate the sweet ice cream delicacy.
Banana Split
